smallpox

Ancient mummy DNA research offers the strongest evidence yet that European colonization introduced smallpox to the Americas. The study confirms historical accounts linking the disease's arrival to European contact.

Ancient mummy DNA from Chile provides genetic evidence that smallpox was introduced to the Americas through European colonization. The study, published in Science, identified smallpox infections in two individuals who died between 1492 and 1631, linking the virus to European strains and confirming historical accounts of its devastating impact on Indigenous populations.

Ancient mummy DNA from Chile provides genetic evidence that smallpox was introduced to the Americas through European colonization, with infections dating between 1492 and 1631. The study links the virus to European strains, confirming historical accounts of its deadly impact on Indigenous populations.

DNA analysis of Inca mummies in Chile revealed a smallpox strain originating from Europe, confirming the virus was introduced to the Americas through colonization. The study identified smallpox in two individuals who died between 1492 and 1631, linking the virus to European strains and highlighting its devastating impact on Indigenous populations.

DNA from Chilean mummies reveals an extinct lineage of smallpox. The virus was introduced to the Americas during European colonization from the Atlantic region.

The leading causes of death in 1776 were infectious diseases like smallpox and tuberculosis, driven by lack of antibiotics, vaccines, and modern medical practices. Today, chronic conditions dominate due to advancements in public health, sanitation, and medical technology, with life expectancy rising from 30 to 80 years. Key breakthroughs include vaccines, germ theory, and improved water sanitation.